Manager of learning and community development, Robert Millar, said the organisation had received $49,000 under the Fostering Integration Grants program. 

Mr Millar said the organisation wanted to hire a project worker to liaise with government services to help new arrivals settle.

"It's a 12-month grant, and our application focused on addressing the nine gaps the Wimmera Development Association identified in a 2017 report," he said.

"One identified as crucial is actually getting some citizenship testing up here, because the closest is Ballarat and a lot of people go to Mildura. So it is very hard for people in our region to apply for citizenship."

Mr Millar said the Department of Social Services helped community groups such as the Centre for Participation support humanitarian entrants for their first five years living in Australia. He said most new residents needed more ongoing support.

"A lot of the Karen refugees first settle in Werribee, and they may not come here for five years," he said.

"When they do, there is still a language barrier."

The organisation's chief executive Julie Pettett said five years was enough for new residents to learn about accessing essential services, including accommodation and healthcare.

"But then people want to go to next level and say, 'I've got dreams and aspirations, and we came here for a reason'," she said. "So we're about supporting them in trying to achieve those aspirations."

Mrs Pettett said the organisation helped about 70 people born overseas, of 11 different nationalities, last year. She said about were members of the Karen community, and many clients wanted to make contributions to Horsham's hospitality and aged care sectors.

"It's great to get (funding for) a one-year project and we will be, from here on in, seeking to make it a longer project," she said.

A Department of Home Affairs spokesman said its regional citizenship testing footprint was reviewed regularly.  

"Where there has been a demonstrated need, consideration can be given to opening a new site," the spokesperson said. 

"Due to operational, training and infrastructure requirements there needs to be demonstrated ongoing client demand for the site to be viable."

The department estimated it usually took them 20 months to process a citizenship application. There are also testing facilities in Bendigo and Warrnambool.

Nhill Neighbourhood House Learning Centre has also received $24,000 under the grants program. 

It will use the money to fund a new initiative designed to establish stronger ties between the town's Karen community and other residents.

Executive officer Annette Creek said the organisation had worked on its Patch Pickers Program idea for six months.

"The idea is to have the Karen community harvest excess fruit and vegetables from patches around the town to be used in a variety of ways," she said. "Produce swaps, preserves, selling via retail outlets. It's about reducing food waste and sharing harvest abundance.

"The Karen people have a wide set of skills - particularly in agriculture - and this program is a chance for them to showcase their skills to the town and find a place in the community to do that other than their community garden."